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Preserving the Legacy of Natural Hair Care
Beauty is Political. Hair is Health. Licensing is Justice.
“Since beauty culture legislation is almost a certainty in every state, it is necessary for operators to have a thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of every branch of the trade, for today beauty culture is not work for a novice, or an unprepared individual.”
- Madame C.J. Walker
Featured News
Join us every first Monday of the month on SiriusXM's Urbanview Ch. 126 at 10:30 AM EST
Don't Miss Our Next Event!
Elevate your craft, expand your network, and empower your voice! Seize your next opportunity to engage with the NHBC community. Discover upcoming workshops, exclusive networking mixers, insightful panel discussions, and vital advocacy meetings designed to advance your natural hair journey and impact the industry.
The Natural Hairstyle & Braid Coalition's (NHBC) efforts advance beauty justice for equitable natural hair care by addressing regulatory gaps, preserving licensing standards, protecting consumers, advocating for beauty wellness, mental health, and establishing equitable pathways to entrepreneurship and ownership within the industry.
History of Licensing in NYS
The Natural Hairstyle & Braid Coalition (NHBC) traces its origins to the pioneering efforts of the New York State natural hairstyling license, enacted in 1993 as the first of its kind in the United States.
This groundbreaking legislation legalized natural hair care and braiding services, previously restricted without a Cosmetology license. Establishing a professional standard of education for practitioners.
The pioneering braiders and locticians recognized the need to establish rules, regulations, and educational standards, resulting in a stand alone natural hair care and braiding license separate from Cosmetology.
This pivotal moment played a crucial role in legitimizing the natural hair care industry, which is now estimated to be worth billions of dollars.
